Back to school for funds distributors

Franklin Templeton pilots a funds ''academy'' in Singapore.

Franklin Templeton has just launched its Franklin Templeton Learning Academy in Singapore in an attempt to catalyze long-term investment in mutual funds, and plans to spread the programme Asia-wide this summer, says Rajiv Vij, regional managing director in Singapore.

A huge source of growth for this industry is learning, Vij says.

Many fund management houses help distributors at banks and other institutions train front-line staff about investment. Vij says the academy goes...